Guitar Tube Amp Bias Calculator

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Suggested Midpoint (mA): (range: )

Guitar Tube Amp - Power Tubes

Power Tube Type Base Type Max Plate Dissipation (Watts) Common Characteristics
EL84 / 6BQ5Noval12Small, 9-pin design; famous for British "chime."
6V6GTOctal12 - 14Small 8-pin bottle; classic American "sweet" tone.
6L6GCOctal30Large bottle; high headroom and big bottom end.
EL34Octal25Standard British power tube; aggressive mid-range.
6550Octal35 - 42Very sturdy; high power and low distortion.
KT66Octal25 - 30Larger glass envelope; smooth, vintage blues response.
KT88Octal35 - 42High-fidelity, massive power, and clean headroom.
5881Octal23 - 25Compact 6L6 variant; rugged and slightly "dirtier."
6CA7Octal25Hybrid sound; EL34 power with 6L6-like clarity.
KT120Octal60Massive modern tube; requires heavy-duty transformers.